What I was Wandering: Giverny

Our first stop after arriving in France was the village of Giverny to visit Claude Monet’s beautiful home and gardens.

Visitors enter Monet’s abundant, colorful garden full of flowerbeds, apple trees, rose arches, tulips, arbors, clematis, and fruit trees. You are instantly hit with an explosion of color and scent, as well as an instant understanding of Monet’s inspiration for his beautiful art. Your hand itches to hold a paintbrush yourself (or grab your camera) to capture the beauty forever.

After taking an underground tunnel to cross a the street we arrived at Monet’s man-made ponds framed by weeping willows, wisteria-draped bridges, bamboo, and overflowing with water lilies. There are a couple of canoes artfully arranged just begging to be photographed in a feeble attempt to recreate Monet’s art for yourself.

While I was Wandering: Claude Monet’s Giverny Home

When we were finished in the gardens we toured Monet’s whimsical, pink home. We instantly recognized some scenes from the house immortalized in his art. It is a treat to see his home, studio, and personal collection of art by fellow artists.

After we were finished touring the gardens and home we had lunch at a nearby café. Being our first meal in France we made sure to have a delicious ham and cheese baguette. This was the first of many wonderful meals in France. Giverny was the ideal way to start our French adventure.

Our Tips:

• Buy your tickets online before your visit, especially if visiting on popular Saturdays and Sundays. You’ll then be able to bypass the long ticket line and walk right into the grounds.
• Beware if you have any allergies before visiting the gardens. With the abundance of blooming flowers be prepared with any medication or tissues.
• Bring patience. With Giverny being a day trip from Paris, and a popular location in general, there are a lot of people visiting. Bring even extra patience if you are hoping to get people-free photos, especially on a Saturday or Sunday.